Saturday of the Third Week of Advent
Throughout Advent we sing “O Come O Come Emmanuel” as we await the celebration of Jesus’ birth at Christmas. Emmanuel- God is with us. Do we realize the significance of this belief? If God is with us, how should this impact the way that we live?
In today’s gospel, we hear the story of Joseph finding out in a dream that Mary has conceived through the Holy Spirit. This child is not only going to save people from their sins, but he fulfills the prophecy of the virgin bearing a child who will be called Emmanuel-“God is with us.” Joseph knew that God has always been close to his people, but this was something different. Joseph trusts that God can do all things, and he accepts his role as foster father of Jesus. His love, protection and support for Jesus provide the environment for Jesus to be fully human. Through his willingness to believe and obey, Joseph is able to experience firsthand God’s great love through the gift of God’s Son.
Although we use the term Emmanuel mostly during Advent, we believe that God is with us always. Our faith teaches us that we are made in the image of God and filled with God’s Spirit. From the beginning, God has been present, but people from age to age are often unable or unwilling to know God in their midst. In the fullness of love, God becomes human, so all people can know firsthand God’s compassion and mercy. Jesus not only makes the divine visible to us, but demonstrates a path for us to allow God’s goodness and peace to flow in the way we live. The first reading and responsorial psalm speak about justice and peace that that Christ will bring to the world. Through the presence of God with us, we are called to bring this same service to others to bring about justice and peace.
We celebrate Jesus’ birth as Emmanuel, and we also celebrate Jesus’ gift of Himself in the Eucharist. God is with and in us through the consecrated bread and wine. We are able to experience firsthand God’s presence. Just like Joseph held Jesus in his arms, we also hold Jesus in our hands when we receive communion. Are we able to experience the love of God in this intimate encounter? Can we allow this Presence to open our eyes to the needs of others? Does receiving the Body of Christ make us aware of how all people are part of that Body?
As we reflect in this final week of Advent on the coming of Emmanuel at our Christmas celebration, may our awareness of Christ’s presence with us bring us joy and peace. And may we take this Good News not just to the mountaintop, but to the world!
Marylynn Herchline